Timing belts control the intervals at which the engine “breaths”. A timing belt is basically a giant rubber band that is placed from the camshaft to the crankshaft. The belt then controls when the valves on the engine open. The belt has grooves on the inside surface that allow for it to firmly attach to the gears on the camshaft and crankshaft. The timing belt gives an exact measure of how many times the camshaft revolves. The timing belt is supposed to turn the camshaft at exactly ½ the speed of the crankshaft. So, the crankshaft makes two revolutions in the time it takes for the camshaft to make one. Most motors have one camshaft while others can or may have four, in V-type engines (This can lead to some confusion to be sure). When the timing belt spins it determines the rate at which the valves will open. The importance of the rates at which the valve opens can impact the pistons. While the pistons move up and down in the engine it needs to “breath” and “exhale”. The turning of the camshaft from the belt has to be in exact synchronization with the pistons in order for the engine to function.
Two types of engines use timing belts. These two types of engines are Interference Engines and Non-interference Engines. These basic terms define the distance and approximation of the valve and the pistons. On the interface engine, any malfunction to the timing belt can cause the pistons to collide and shatter, thus ruining your automobiles engine. Positively, the non-interference engines will only shut down and stop working if something goes wrong with your timing belt.
Timing belt malfunctions can seriously damage your vehicle and put you, the driver, in immediate danger. There are certain precautions and solutions that can be taken to avoid this however. If you go into a professional, certified mechanic and get your belt checked and replaced regularly, you should be safe. A mechanic will normally tell you to get your water pump replaced. No, this is not a gimmick to get you to fork over some more cash. A majority percent of the labor to change the water pump is done already when replacing the timing belts. So, it will not cost you an arm and a leg. Major problems can be caused by a faulty water pump. Get your water pump checked and replaced frequently!
